THE BEST IN BEAUTY FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

“Draw this intense eyeliner as close to the top lash line as possible, starting at the inner corner and dragging out, then kicking into a wing at the outer corner. Go back to the caviar stick and lightly line underneath the eye, blending softly with the #7P brush and drawing the product outward to join the top wing.”

“For that signature ’60s look, use these lashes on the bottom of the eye. Squeeze a little Duo glue onto the back of your hand, then let it sit and get a little sticky. Once it’s ready, use Rubis’ tweezers to pick up the falsies and dab into the glue. Use the smallest size in the pack and start affixing lashes in the center of the lid, working outward, to open up the eyes. Finish the top lashes with two coats of brown Diorshow Mascara.”

When questioned on the subject, VIOLET GREY brand ambassador Kira Nasrat has been known to describe her vibe as “gangsta with a Birkin.” The statement is just a taste of the makeup artist’s sweet-but-sassy sense of humor (and style), which has beguiled fans and clients almost as much as her genius with a foundation brush. (Gwyneth Paltrow, Jamie Chung, Margot Robbie, Billie Lourd, and Freida Pinto are just a few of her satisfied customers.)

But for much of Nasrat’s life, although she worked on the business side of the beauty industry, makeup was nothing more than a hobby, albeit one that she was very, very good at. It wasn’t until six years ago, when actress Azita Ghanizada (a close family friend) asked Nasrat to do her makeup for a red carpet event, that Nasrat—who was working as an account executive—realized she could parlay her favorite pastime into a lucrative career, and got serious about the business of beauty.

After joining VIOLET GREY in 2013, Nasrat helped to open and manage the flagship store on Melrose Place, working with VIP customers and growing her celebrity clientele. Now, as VIOLET GREY’s first official brand ambassador, Nasrat does what she does best—charming celebrities, and the world at large, with her winsome smile and unmatched beauty prowess.